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Pliniana Primitivo "Centocontrade"
primitivo di manduria vineyard
Photography by Char Hodgson
Pliniana Primitivo di Manduria 2023 - Image 4
Pliniana Primitivo
primitivo di manduria vineyard
Photography by Char Hodgson

Pliniana Primitivo di Manduria 2023

$24.95

Cantine Pliniana

Centocontrade

  • Country: Italy
  • Region: Puglia
  • Appellation: Primitivo di Manduria DOC
  • Varietal: 100% Primitivo
  • Alc/vol: 14.0%
  • Sweetness:  Dry
  • Cellaring Potential: Drink now, up until 2027

This bold and expressive red wine from southern Italy offers a pure reflection of natural character of the Primitivo grape. The nose is filled with fruity aromas of sweet strawberries, blueberries, plums, and cherries, accompanied by hints of dried herbs and a touch of earthy minerality. On the palate, it delivers vibrant flavours of wild berries, juicy cherries and strawberry jam with subtle undertones of licorice and anise. With moderate acidity, smooth tannins, and a lingering finish, this unoaked version is fresh, fruit-driven, and perfect for pairing with roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or tomato-based dishes like spaghetti bolognese or even pizza.

In stock

If you’re a fan of Zinfandel, then you’ll love this Primitivo!

In fact, the two grapes are genetically the same thing, they just have different names depending on which country they’re coming from.  Primitivo has origins in southern Italy, and when rootstocks were transported over to the United States during the 1800s, the name transitioned into being called “Zinfandel”.

Read a more detailed comparison of these two grapes on our blog.


Cantine Pliniana’s Primitivo di Manduria DOC:

The term “Centocontrade” translates to “100 districts” – or plots – of vines that contribute to the Pliniana cooperative in Manduria, Italy.

Winemaking:

  • Fermentation and maceration take approximately 15 days and are completed at a controlled temperature of 25°C
  • Malolactic fermentation and aging for 6 months occurs in stainless steel – suprisingly, there is no oak vessel used for this Primitivo! All flavours are pure expressions of the grape with no wood influence.

Best served slightly chilled, at 18°C.

Read More About

Pliniana: Guardians of Old Vines in the Heart of Manduria

Named after Pliny the Elder, the Roman naturalist who praised the wines of ancient Manduria, Cantina Pliniana is more than just a cooperative — it’s a community effort to preserve the soul of Primitivo di Manduria.

Founded in 1964, Pliniana unites over 300 small growers, many of whom tend to century-old bush-trained vines passed down through generations. These low-yielding, dry-farmed vines are the heart of their production, giving wines incredible depth, ripeness, and a distinct sense of place.

Operating in the core zone of the Primitivo di Manduria DOC, Pliniana is one of the region’s largest cooperatives — but quality, not quantity, is its focus. The cooperative invests heavily in modern vinification techniques, while staying fiercely loyal to the traditional farming culture of Manduria. This balance allows them to produce wines that are both authentic and accessible, showcasing the richness of southern Puglia’s sun-drenched terroir.

While Primitivo is their crown jewel, Pliniana also produces other native varietals, including Negroamaro and Malvasia Nera, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and local expression.

Why Primitivo di Manduria DOC Stands Out From The Rest of Puglia

1. Terroir & Climate:
Primitivo di Manduria comes from a specific area in southern Puglia, near the Ionian Sea, centred around the town of Manduria in the province of Taranto. The combination of sun-drenched vineyards, warm temperatures, sea breezes, and red iron-rich soils creates ideal ripening conditions. This terroir gives the wines greater concentration, ripeness, and complexity compared to broader regional Primitivo.

2. DOC Status = Stricter Standards:
“Primitivo di Manduria” is a DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) wine, which means producers must follow strict regulations regarding vineyard yields, alcohol content (minimum 13.5%), aging, and winemaking practices. These rules help maintain higher quality and consistency. Regular Primitivo labeled simply as “Puglia IGT” or “Primitivo” can be grown across a much broader area, with fewer restrictions and more variability in style and quality.

3. Signature Style:
Primitivo di Manduria is known for its bold, full-bodied character, often with rich flavours of dark plum, dried fig, chocolate, spice, and a touch of savoury herb. It tends to have higher alcohol and more structure than generic Primitivo — making it age-worthy and impactful.

4. History & Identity:
Manduria has long been regarded as the “spiritual home” of Primitivo. The region has preserved ancient bush-trained vines (known as “alberello”) and traditional winemaking methods, lending an authenticity and heritage that adds to its prestige.

Here’s a great article from Decanter that describes why the Primitivo di Manduria DOC is an elevated experience from Puglia.

Colour

Red
Country

Italy
Region

Puglia